Module for a kit for distributing and regulating a pressurized gas, associated distribution and regulation kit and system

ABSTRACT

A module includes a parallelepiped main body having four lateral faces extending between an upper face and a lower face, in which an inner chamber is provided in the main body, opening in the top and bottom faces in order to receive, on the inside, a distribution or regulation device. The inner chamber includes, consecutively, an upper bore, an intermediate bore that has a smaller diameter than the upper bore, and a lower bore that has a smaller diameter than the intermediate bore. A plate is provided on each lateral face for attachment to a plate of a similar adjacent module, the plate having peripheral holes used for the passage of attachment screws and a central blind hole suitable for guiding a drill hole opening in the upper bore or in the intermediate bore.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/FR2018/051989, filed on Aug. 1, 2018, which claims priority to andthe benefit of FR 17/57483, filed on Aug. 3, 2017. The disclosures ofthe above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a module for a kit for distributingand regulating a pressurized gas, a kit for distributing and regulatinga pressurized gas, and a system for distributing and regulating apressurized gas constructed from such a kit.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

In gaseous hydrogen distribution stations, the gaseous hydrogen iscompressed at a very high pressure (at least higher than 500 bars andeven beyond 700 to 1000 bars) and stored in buffer tanks, and adistribution and regulation system is necessary, upstream and downstreamof the buffer tanks, to perform safe relief and distribution of thegaseous hydrogen towards the tank of the fuel cell.

Such a distribution and regulation system requires the use ofdistribution or regulation devices such as block valves with a manualactuation, block valves with a pneumatic actuation, block valves with anelectric actuation (solenoid-valves), pressure regulators, anti-backflowisolation devices (or anti-backflow plungers), safety relief valves,filtering devices, etc.

Conventionally, distribution and regulation systems are constituted byan assembly of distribution or regulation devices originating fromdifferent manufacturers, constituting heterogeneous components that areuneasy to implement and requiring numerous connectors, welds andsupports and the maintenance operations thereof are made complicatedbecause of the design of the components itself as well as the disparityof the distribution or regulation devices.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

The present disclosure provides a distribution and regulation systemconstructed from a kit, in turn based on a specific module, to be ableto provide a system that has small bulk, and is reliable, safe, easy tomaintain and to service and simple to use.

To this end, the present disclosure provides a module for a kit fordistributing and regulating a pressurized gas, the module comprising amain body having a parallelepiped general shape and having four lateralfaces parallel in pairs and extending between an upper face and a lowerface parallel to one another,

wherein an inner chamber is formed in the main body by crossing ittherethroughout to open into the upper face and into the lower face,said inner chamber being intended to receive thereinside a distributionor regulation device provided for a distribution or regulation of a gaspassing in the inner chamber, said inner chamber successivelycomprising:

a cylindrical upper bore opening into the upper face;

a cylindrical intermediate bore having an internal diameter which issmaller than the internal diameter of the upper bore; and

a cylindrical lower bore opening into the lower face and having aninternal diameter which is smaller than the internal diameter of theintermediate bore,

wherein a subplate is provided on each lateral face adapted forfastening on a subplate of a similar adjacent module, wherein saidsubplate has peripheral holes serving for the passage of fasteningscrews and a central blind hole, in particular adapted to guide adrilling opening into the upper bore or into the intermediate bore ofthe inner chamber.

Such a module, as explained in greater detail below, will allowconstructing a distribution and regulation system:

by associating each module to a function (for this purpose, adistribution or regulation device is mounted in the inner chamber of themain body of the module);

by drilling the main bodies in order to form at least one inlet channeland at least one outlet channel opening both into the inner chamber ofthe main body and into central holes of the subplates, these centralholes then respectively defining at least one inlet and at least oneoutlet of the module; and

by coupling the subplates of the modules together so as to connect theinlets and outlets of the modules tighter, and thus set in communicationthe distribution or regulation devices mounted on the different modules.

The modules provide an easy to construct distribution and regulationsystem according to a predefined circuit and with predefined functionsdistributed along the circuit, and subsequently replace or modify afunction on need, and even reassemble the modules together according toa new configuration.

It should be understood that, in the context of the present disclosure,the module could be provided without the drilling(s), to the extent thatthe module may be “universal” by being usable in various configurations,and the drilling(s) will be performed according to the retained use ofthe module.

According to one feature, threaded holes are formed in the upper facefor fastening a bracket secured to the distribution or regulationdevice.

Thus, the distribution or regulation device is fastened on the modulevia a bracket screwed on the upper face of the main body, to tightlyhold in place the distribution or regulation device inside the innerchamber of the main body.

According to one variant, the module is constituted by the main bodywhich is made integrally in one piece.

The present disclosure also relates to a kit for distributing andregulating a pressurized gas, wherein the kit comprises:

several modules in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein themodules are similar; and

several distribution or regulation devices provided for a distributionor regulation of a gas passing in the inner chambers of the main bodiesof the modules,

wherein each distribution or regulation device comprises a cartridgeformed by a tubular body adapted to be received inside an inner chamberof any of the modules, wherein the cartridge successively comprises:

a first cylindrical upper sleeve supporting at least one O-ring gasketand intended to be tightly mounted in the upper bore;

a second cylindrical upper sleeve having an external diameter which is,on the one hand, smaller than the internal diameter of the upper boreand the external diameter of the first upper sleeve and, on the otherhand, larger than the internal diameter of the intermediate bore, saidsecond upper sleeve having at least one upper through hole opening intoan upper chamber delimited at least partially by the second uppersleeve;

a first cylindrical intermediate sleeve supporting at least one O-ringgasket and intended to be tightly mounted in the intermediate bore, saidfirst intermediate sleeve having an external diameter which is smallerthan the external diameter of the second upper sleeve;

a second cylindrical intermediate sleeve having an external diameterwhich is, on the one hand, smaller than the internal diameter of theintermediate bore and the external diameter of the first intermediatesleeve and, on the other hand, larger than the internal diameter of thelower bore, said second intermediate sleeve having at least oneintermediate through hole opening into an intermediate chamber delimitedat least partially by the second intermediate sleeve; and

a cylindrical lower sleeve having an external diameter which is smallerthan the external diameter of the second intermediate sleeve, whereinsaid lower sleeve supports at least one O-ring gasket and is intended tobe tightly mounted in the lower bore.

Thus, each distribution or regulation device has a similar cartridge, inother words a cartridge with similar geometry, shape and dimensions,which allows for an integration of the different functions on any of themodules, each module having a similar inner chamber, in other words aninner chamber with a similar geometry, shape and dimensions. In oneexample, the cartridge of each distribution or regulation device has thesame geometry, shape and dimension, and the inner chamber of each modulehas the same geometry, shape and dimension.

In one particular form, at least one distribution or regulation devicecomprises, inside the cartridge, a plunger movable relative to a seatbetween a position of closing the communication between the intermediatechamber and the upper chamber and a position of opening thecommunication between the intermediate chamber and the upper chamber.

According to a first possibility, the distribution or regulation devicescomprise at least one pressure regulator comprising the followingregulator members:

a piston slidably mounted inside the second intermediate sleeve in theintermediate chamber forming an upstream chamber, wherein said pistonhas an upper end forming the plunger and a lower end surrounded by anO-ring gasket and sliding inside the lower sleeve in a lower orificewhich does not open outwards;

a downstream body mounted static inside the second upper sleeve anddelimiting the upper chamber forming a downstream chamber (at therelieved pressure), wherein said downstream body has a central holedefining the seat forming a relief seat adapted to cooperate with theplunger;

an elastic biasing member urging the piston and the plunger in thedirection of the closure position, opposite to a reduced pressure in thedownstream chamber which urges the piston and the plunger in thedirection of the opening position;

an upper plug mounted static inside the first upper sleeve;

a tappet crossing the upper plug and adapted to exert a force on theplunger in the direction of the opening position;

wherein the piston has an inner through channel having two opposite endscomprising, on the one hand, an upper end open on the side of thedownstream body and forming a drain seat and, on the other hand, a lowerend open into the lower orifice of the lower sleeve, and wherein thetappet is adapted to bear on the drain seat to plug it;

and wherein the pressure regulator further comprises:

a bracket fastened on the cartridge and provided with fastening elementsfor fastening the pressure regulator on the upper face of any of themodules, wherein the bracket embeds a push piston slidably mounted andadapted to bear on the tappet, the push piston extending beyond thebracket; and

a setting system mounted on the bracket and acting on the push pistonand thus on the tappet to enable a setting of an opening force of theplunger to relieve the pressure.

Thus, such a pressure regulator is particularly adapted to the geometryof the cartridge, and therefore to the geometry of the inner chamber ofa module.

In a first form of the pressure regulator, the setting system is amechanical setting system comprising a support fastened on the bracketand supporting thereinside an elastic biasing member compressed betweena lower journal on which bears the push piston and an upper journalwhose position is mechanically settable in order to enable a setting ofthe pushing force exerted by the elastic biasing member on the pushpiston.

In a second form of the pressure regulator, the setting system is apneumatic setting system comprising a support fastened on the bracketand receiving thereinside a solid main piston tightly and slidablymounted in the support, wherein the main piston acts on the push pistonand is subjected to a pilot pressure source in order to enable a settingof the pushing force exerted by the main piston on the push piston.

Advantageously, the mechanical setting system and the pneumatic settingsystem are interchangeable as each features a support removably mountedon the same bracket.

Thus, the bracket being identical, all it needs is to dismount themechanical setting system out of the bracket to replace it with thepneumatic setting system, or vice versa.

In one particular form, the main piston has:

an upper section providing an upper surface on which the pilot pressureacts; and

a lower section providing a lower surface acting on the push piston,wherein said lower surface has a surface area smaller than the uppersurface.

Advantageously, the pneumatic setting system comprises at least onesecondary stage comprising a tubular secondary body tightly affixed onthe support and a secondary piston tightly and slidably mounted insidethe secondary body, wherein the secondary body has:

an upper portion delimiting a cylindrical upper cavity; and

a lower portion crossed by a central hole having a reduced diameter incomparison with the upper cavity,

wherein the secondary piston has:

an upper section providing an upper surface on which the pilot pressureacts and tightly mounted in the upper cavity of the upper portion of thesecondary body; and

a lower section providing a lower surface bearing on the upper surfaceof the main piston and tightly mounted in the central hole of the lowerportion of the secondary body, wherein said lower surface of thesecondary piston has a surface area smaller than the upper surface ofthe secondary piston,

and wherein the secondary piston is provided with an inner throughchannel opening into its lower surface and into its upper surface, sothat the pilot pressure is applied on the upper surface of the mainpiston throughout said inner channel.

Thus, such a secondary stage, which may be repeated, allows introducinga reduction ratio between the pilot pressure and the force exerted bythe main piston on the push piston, which provides the possibility ofworking with a reduced pilot pressure while providing a limited verticalbulk. It should be noted that such a pressure regulator embedding such apneumatic setting system or dome-loaded with at least one secondarystage may be considered in a context other than the present context of adistribution and regulation kit.

According to a second possibility, the distribution or regulationdevices comprise at least one block valve comprising the followingregulator members:

a piston slidably mounted inside the second intermediate sleeve in theintermediate chamber forming an upstream chamber, wherein said pistonhas an upper end forming the plunger and a lower end surrounded by anO-ring gasket and sliding inside the lower sleeve in a lower orificeopening outwards;

a downstream body mounted static inside the second upper sleeve anddelimiting the upper chamber forming a downstream chamber, wherein saiddownstream body has a central hole defining the seat cooperating withthe plunger;

an elastic biasing member urging the piston and the plunger in thedirection of the closure position;

an upper plug mounted static inside the first upper sleeve;

a tappet tightly crossing the upper plug and adapted to exert a force onthe plunger in the direction of the opening position,

wherein the block valve further comprises:

a bracket secured to the upper plug and provided with fastening elementsfor fastening the block valve on the upper face of any of the modules;and

an actuator mounted on the bracket and acting on the tappet to controlthe relative position of the plunger with respect to the seat betweenthe closure position and the opening position.

Thus, such a block valve is particularly adapted to the geometry of thecartridge, and therefore to the geometry of the inner chamber of amodule.

In one particular form, the block valve comprises an actuator selectedfrom the group consisting of:

a manual actuator comprising a knob secured to a push member screwed inthe bracket and adapted to bear on the tappet;

a pneumatic actuator comprising a support fastened on the bracket andcrossed by a push piston adapted to bear on the tappet under the actionof a control pressure source; and

an electric actuator comprising a support fastened on the bracket andcrossed by a push member adapted to bear on the tappet under the actionof an electric motor.

According to one feature, the actuators of the block valve areinterchangeable, each block valve having similar regulator members and asimilar bracket, wherein said bracket comprises a threaded orificeinside which the push member of the manual actuator, the support of thepneumatic actuator and the support of the electric actuator can bescrewed. In one example, the regulator members and the bracket of eachblock valve are the same.

Thus, it is possible to easily replace an actuator type with anotheractuator type, and even replace a defective actuator with a new actuatorin the context of a maintenance or repair operation.

According to a third possibility, the distribution or regulation devicescomprise at least one anti-backflow isolation device comprising thefollowing members:

a piston slidably mounted inside the first upper sleeve in the upperchamber forming a downstream chamber, wherein said piston has a lowerend forming the plunger;

a downstream body mounted static inside the second upper sleeve anddelimiting the upper chamber and the intermediate chamber forming anupstream chamber, wherein said downstream body has a central holedefining the seat cooperating with the plunger subjected to the pressureof the gas in the intermediate chamber in the direction of detachmentwith respect to the seat;

an elastic biasing member urging the piston and the plunger in thedirection of the closure position;

and wherein the anti-backflow isolation device further comprises abracket provided with fastening elements for fastening the anti-backflowisolation device on the upper face of any of the modules, said bracketforming a closed lid so that said elastic biasing member bears on saidbracket.

According to a fourth possibility, the distribution or regulationdevices comprise at least one filtering device comprising a filtercartridge received inside the upper chamber and having an inlet openinginto the intermediate chamber, and wherein the filtering device furthercomprises a bracket provided with fastening elements for fastening thefiltering device on the upper face of any of the modules, said bracketforming a closed lid.

The present disclosure also concerns a system for distributing andregulating a pressurized gas, formed at least partially from adistribution and regulation kit according to the present disclosure,wherein:

modules are coupled by fastening at least one subplate of a module on asubplate of at least one adjacent module, setting in communication thecentral holes of the subplates fastened together;

distribution or regulation devices are fastened on the main bodies of atleast one module among the plurality of modules, with their cartridgesreceived inside the inner chambers;

drillings are formed in the central holes of the subplates which arefastened to another subplate, such drillings forming communicationchannels opening into the upper bore or into the intermediate bore ofthe inner chamber of the concerned module in order to set incommunication the distribution or regulation devices of the coupledmodules.

The present disclosure also relates to a gaseous hydrogen distributionstation for filling a fuel cell tank, said gaseous hydrogen distributionstation comprising at least one distribution and regulation system asdescribed hereinabove.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now bedescribed various forms thereof, given by way of example, referencebeing made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 1, according to asectional plane perpendicular to one of the lateral faces and the upperface, in the raw making without the drillings forming communicationchannels;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 1, according to asectional plane perpendicular to one of the lateral faces and to theupper face, in the raw making with drillings forming communicationchannels;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the module of FIG. 1, according to asectional plane parallel to the upper face, in ten configurationexamples of the arrangement of the drillings forming communicationchannels;

FIG. 7 is a top view of several modules coupled to form a distributionand regulation system according to one configuration of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of several modules coupled to form a distributionand regulation system according to another configuration of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a cartridge for a distribution or regulationdevice adapted to a distribution and regulation kit or system accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one form of the cartridge of FIG. 9in which the lower orifice does not open outwards;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another form the cartridge of FIG.9 with the lower orifice opening outwards;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a distribution or regulation device of thepressure regulator type with a mechanical setting system according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator with amechanical setting system of FIG. 12, in place in a module in accordancewith FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a distribution or regulation device of thepressure regulator type with a pneumatic setting system or dome-loadedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator with apneumatic setting system of FIG. 14, in place in a module in accordancewith FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator with apneumatic setting system of FIG. 14, alone and according to a sectionalplane different from that of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a distribution or regulation device of theblock valve type with a manual actuator according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the block valve with a manualactuator of FIG. 17, in place in a module in accordance with FIG. 5;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a distribution or regulation device of theblock valve type with a pneumatic actuator according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the block valve with a pneumaticactuator of FIG. 19, in place in a module in accordance with FIG. 5;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a distribution or regulation deviceof the block valve type with an electric actuator, in place in a modulein accordance with FIG. 5;

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating the interchangeability of the manual,pneumatic and electric actuators for the block valves of FIGS. 17 to 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a distribution or regulation device of theanti-backflow isolation device type according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the anti-backflow isolation deviceof FIG. 22, in place in a module in accordance with FIG. 5;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a distribution or regulation deviceof the filtering device type, in place in a module in accordance withFIG. 5;

FIGS. 26 to 28 are perspective views of three forms of distribution andregulation systems incorporating modules according to FIGS. 1 to 5 anddistribution or regulation devices according to FIGS. 12 to 25, as wellas collectors in the examples of FIGS. 27 and 28;

FIG. 29 is a side, front and top view of a collector incorporated in thedistribution and regulation systems of FIGS. 27 and 28; and

FIG. 30 illustrates cross-sectional views of the collector of FIG. 29 inthree configuration examples of the inner drillings.

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Itshould be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a module 1, according to one form of thepresent disclosure, is formed by an integral part made of a metallicmaterial which comprises a main body 10 which has a parallelepipedgeneral shape. In some variations of the present disclosure the mainbody has a cubic shape.

The main body 10 has:

four lateral faces 11, 12 parallel in pairs, that is to say two firstlateral faces 11 parallel to one another and two second lateral faces 12parallel to one another and perpendicular to the first lateral faces 11,and

an upper face 13 and a lower face 14 parallel to one another, the fourlateral faces 11, 12 extending between the upper face 13 and the lowerface 14.

Furthermore, a subplate 15 is provided on each lateral face 11, 12parallel to the corresponding lateral face 11, 12 and spaced aparttherefrom, wherein the subplate 15 is linked to the correspondinglateral face 11, 12 by ribs 16. All subplates 15 are similar in shapeand dimension.

Each subplate 15 is adapted for fastening on a subplate 15 of anothermodule 1, and, to this end, each subplate 15 has peripheral throughholes 17 serving for the passage of several fastening screws 170cooperating with nuts for fastening by bolting of the two subplates 15,as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. In the illustrated example, theperipheral holes 17 are in the number of four.

Each subplate 15 also has at its center a central blind hole 18 whichserves as an inlet point, and even as a guide, for a drilling which willopen into an inner chamber 2.

Hence, the module 1 has an inner chamber 2 which is formed in the mainbody 10 by crossing it therethroughout to open into the upper face 13and into the lower face 14. The inner chamber 2 is formed at the centerof the upper face 13 and is intended to receive thereinside adistribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6(described in greater detail below), the distribution or regulationdevice 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 being provided for a distributionor regulation of a gas passing in the inner chamber 2.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner chamber 2 successively comprises:

a cylindrical and smooth upper bore 21, opening into the upper face 13and having an internal diameter D1 (not shown),

a cylindrical and smooth intermediate bore 22 having an internaldiameter D2 (not shown) smaller than the internal diameter D1 of theupper bore 21, and

a cylindrical and smooth lower bore 23, opening into the lower face 14and having an internal diameter D3 (not shown) smaller than the internaldiameter D2 of the intermediate bore 22.

Thus, the inner chamber 2 has:

an upper inner shoulder 24 between the upper bore 21 and theintermediate bore 22; and

a lower inner shoulder 25 between the intermediate bore 22 and the lowerbore 23.

Threaded blind holes 20 are formed in the upper face 13 for fastening abracket 8, 80 or 180 (described in further detail below) of thedistribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6. In theillustrated example, the threaded holes 20 are in the number of four.

To be used, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the module 1 has to undergo atleast two drillings 26, each drilling starting in a central hole 18 toopen into the inner chamber 2, and more specifically into the upper bore21 or into the intermediate bore 22.

Depending on the distribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4c, 5, 6, two configurations may be considered:

the upper bore 21 is in communication with an upstream chamber (or gasinlet chamber) of the distribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4b, 4 c, 5, 6 and the intermediate bore 22 is in communication with adownstream chamber (or gas outlet chamber) of the distribution orregulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6; or vice versa,

the upper bore 21 is in communication with a downstream chamber (or gasoutlet chamber) of the distribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a,4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 and the intermediate bore 22 is in communication with anupstream chamber (or gas inlet chamber) of the distribution orregulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6.

Thus, if the piecing 26 opens into a bore 21 or 22 in communication withan upstream chamber, then the corresponding central hole 18 forms aninlet “E” of the module 1, whereas if the drilling 26 opens into a bore21 or 22 in communication with a downstream chamber then thecorresponding central hole 18 forms an outlet “S” of the module 1. Oneach subplate 15, there can be only but one inlet “E,” or only but oneoutlet “S,” or neither inlet nor outlet.

FIG. 6 illustrates six distinct configurations of the module 1 regardingthe making of the drillings 26 and therefore regarding the distributionof the inlet(s) “E” and of the outlet(s) “S.”

The configuration to the left side in the first row (starting from thetop) corresponds to a configuration with one single inlet “E” and onesingle outlet “S” which are at 180° with respect to one another, that isto say that the inlet “E” and the outlet “S” correspond to central holes18 of two parallel subplates 15.

The configuration at the middle of the first row corresponds to aconfiguration with one single inlet “E” and one single outlet “S” whichare at 90° with respect to one another, that is to say that the inlet“E” and the outlet “S” correspond to central holes 18 of two orthogonalsubplates 15.

The configuration to the right side in the first row corresponds to aconfiguration with one single inlet “E” and two outlets “S” which arerespectively at 90° and at 180° with respect to the inlet “E”, the twooutlets “S” being at 90° with respect to one another.

The configuration to the left side in the second row corresponds to aconfiguration with one single inlet “E” and two outlets “S” which areboth at 90° with respect to the inlet “E,” the two outlets “S” being at180° with respect to one another.

The configuration at the middle in the second row corresponds to aconfiguration with two inlets “E” and one outlet “S,” the two inlets “E”being at 90° with respect to one another.

The configuration to the right side in the second row corresponds to aconfiguration with two inlets “E” and one outlet “S,” the two inlets “E”being at 180° with respect to one another.

The configuration to the left side in the third row corresponds to aconfiguration with two inlets “E” and two outlets “S,” the two inlets“E” being at 90° with respect to one another and the two outlets “S”being at 90° with respect to one another.

The configuration at the middle in the third row corresponds to aconfiguration with two inlets “E” and two outlets “S,” the two inlets“E” being at 180° with respect to one another and the two outlets “S”being at 180° with respect to one another.

The configuration to the right side in the third row corresponds to aconfiguration with three inlets “E” and one single outlet “S.”

The unique configuration in the fourth row corresponds to aconfiguration with one single inlet “E” and three outlets “S.”

Thus, a module 1 can be coupled with one, two or three other module(s)1, with inlet-outlet or outlet-inlet couplings depending on the desiredflow direction of the gas in the different distribution or regulationdevices 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 received in the modules 1. Indeed,when two modules 1 are coupled, the central holes 18 of the subplates 15fastened together are set in communication.

The following description covers the distribution or regulation devices3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 and their integrations in the modules 1.

A distribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 isprovided for a distribution or regulation of a gas passing in the innerchamber 2 of the main body 10 of the module 1 on which it is fastened.

The following seven examples of a distribution or regulation device 3 a,3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 will be described:

a pressure regulator with a mechanical setting 3 a illustrated in FIGS.12 and 13;

a pressure regulator with a pneumatic setting 3 b (or dome-loadedpressure regulator) illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16;

a block valve with a manual actuator 4 a illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18;

a block valve with a pneumatic actuator 4 b illustrated in FIGS. 19 and20;

a block valve with an electric actuator 4 c (or solenoid-valve)illustrated in FIG. 21;

an anti-backflow isolation device 5 illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24; and

a filtering device 6 illustrated in FIG. 25.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, each distribution or regulation device 3 a, 3b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 comprises a cartridge 7 formed by a tubular bodyadapted to be received inside an inner chamber 2 of any of the modules1. The cartridge 7 is universal to the extent that it is similar in allof the distribution or regulation devices 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6,with the exception of one single difference regarding the through ornot-through nature of a lower orifice (described in greater detailbelow).

The cartridge 7 successively comprises:

an upper fitting 70 having an outer tapping in order to enable fasteningto the bracket (described in greater detail below) on the cartridge 7;

a cylindrical and smooth first upper sleeve 71, having two peripheralgrooves 710 adapted to receive O-ring gaskets 79, and having an externaldiameter substantially equivalent to the internal diameter D1 of theupper bore 21, and more specifically smaller than the internal diameterD1 by a predefined mounting clearance in order to be able to be mountedin an adjusted and tight manner in the upper bore 21;

a cylindrical and smooth second upper sleeve 72, having an externaldiameter which is, on the one hand, smaller than the internal diameterD1 of the upper bore 21 and the external diameter of the first uppersleeve 71 and, on the other hand, larger than the internal diameter D2of the intermediate bore 22, wherein the second upper sleeve 72 hasupper through holes 720 opening into an upper chamber 761 delimited atleast partially by the second upper sleeve 72;

a cylindrical and smooth first intermediate sleeve 73, having aperipheral groove 730 adapted to receive an O-ring gasket 79, and havingan external diameter which is smaller than the external diameter of thesecond upper sleeve 72 and which is also substantially equivalent to theinternal diameter D2 of the intermediate bore 22, and more specificallysmaller than the internal diameter D2 by a predefined mounting clearancein order to be able to be mounted in an adjusted and tight manner in theintermediate bore 22;

a cylindrical and smooth second intermediate sleeve 74, having anexternal diameter which is, on the one hand, smaller than the internaldiameter D2 of the intermediate bore 22 and the external diameter of thefirst intermediate sleeve 73 and, on the other hand, larger than theinternal diameter D3 of the lower bore 23, wherein the secondintermediate sleeve 74 has intermediate through holes 740 opening intoan intermediate chamber 762 delimited at least partially by the secondintermediate sleeve 74; and

a cylindrical and smooth lower sleeve 75 having a peripheral groove 750adapted to receive an O-ring gasket 79, and having an external diameterwhich is smaller than the external diameter of the second intermediatesleeve 74 and which is also substantially equivalent to the internaldiameter D3 of the lower bore 23, and more specifically smaller than theinternal diameter D3 by a predefined mounting clearance in order to beable to be mounted in an adjusted and tight manner in the lower bore 23.

Thus, the cartridge 7 has:

an upper outer shoulder 724 between the second upper sleeve 71 and thefirst intermediate sleeve 73; and

a lower outer shoulder 725 between the second intermediate sleeve 74 andthe lower sleeve 75.

The cartridge 7 has two opposite ends, namely an upper end 77 located onthe upper fitting 70, and a lower end 78 located on the lower sleeve 75.

The cartridge 7 has thereinside an inner cavity 76 successivelycomprising:

the cylindrical and smooth upper chamber 761 opening into the upper end77 and extending substantially up to the first intermediate sleeve 73;

the cylindrical and smooth intermediate chamber 762, having an internaldiameter which is smaller than the internal diameter of the upperchamber 761 and extending substantially up to the lower sleeve 75; and

a cylindrical and smooth internal orifice 763, formed in the lowersleeve 75 and having an internal diameter which is smaller than theinternal diameter of the intermediate chamber 762.

In the example of FIG. 10, the internal orifice 763 does not openoutwards, to the extent that it does not open into the lower end 78 ofthe cartridge 7, so that the inner cavity 76 is blind.

In the example of FIG. 11, the internal orifice 763 opens outwards, tothe extent that it opens into the lower end 78 of the cartridge 7 (via achannel 764), so that the inner cavity 76 crosses the cartridge 7 fromthe upper end 77 to the lower end 78.

The inner cavity 76 has an inner shoulder 765 between the upper chamber761 and the intermediate chamber 762.

When in place, and as shown in FIGS. 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23 and 24, whenthe cartridge 7 is disposed and held in the inner chamber 2 of themodule 1:

the lower sleeve 75 is mounted in an adjusted and tight manner (with itsO-ring gasket 79) in the lower bore 23 and comes substantially flushwith the lower face 14 of the module 1;

the lower outer shoulder 725 bears on the lower inner shoulder 25;

the second intermediate sleeve 74 extends in the intermediate bore 22,with an intermediate annular space 220 between the second intermediatesleeve 74 and the intermediate bore 22, the intermediate annular space220 being in communication with the intermediate chamber 762 via theintermediate holes 740, bearing in mind that a drilling 26 opens intothe intermediate annular space 220;

the first intermediate sleeve 73 is mounted in an adjusted and tightmanner (with its O-ring gasket 79) in the intermediate bore 22;

the upper outer shoulder 724 extends opposite the upper inner shoulder24 with a spacing corresponding to a mounting clearance;

the second upper sleeve 72 extends in the upper bore 21, with an upperannular space 210 between the second upper sleeve 72 and the upper bore21, the upper annular space 210 being in communication with the upperchamber 761 via the upper holes 720, bearing in mind that a drilling 26opens into the upper annular space 210;

the first upper sleeve 71 is mounted in an adjusted and tight manner(with its bottom O-ring gasket 79) in the upper bore 21;

the first upper sleeve 71 extends beyond the upper face 13 of the module1 with the top O-ring gasket 79 is outside the module 1; and

the upper fitting 70 extends beyond the upper face 13 of the module 1.

The following description concerns more specifically the pressureregulator with a mechanical setting 3 a (FIGS. 12-13) and the pressureregulator with a pneumatic setting 3 b (FIGS. 14-15) each comprising thefollowing regulator members:

a piston 30 slidably mounted inside the second intermediate sleeve 74 inthe intermediate chamber 762 forming an upstream chamber (and thereforeconnected to at least one inlet “E” of the module 1 via an appropriatedrilling 26), wherein the piston 30 has an upper end forming a plunger31 and a lower end 32 surrounded by an O-ring gasket and sliding insidethe lower sleeve 75 in the lower orifice 763 which does not openoutwards (FIG. 10);

a downstream body 33 mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the second upper sleeve 72,wherein the downstream body 33 separates the intermediate chamber 762from the upper chamber 761 forming a downstream chamber (and thereforeconnected to at least one outlet “S” of the module 1 via an appropriatedrilling 26), and wherein the downstream body 33 has a central hole 330defining a seat forming a relief seat adapted to cooperate with theplunger 31;

an elastic biasing member 34 urging the piston 30 and the plunger 31 inthe direction of a position of closing the communication between theintermediate chamber 762 and the upper chamber 761, opposite to areduced pressure in the upper chamber 761 (or downstream chamber) whichurges the piston 30 and the plunger 31 in the direction of a position ofopening the communication between the intermediate chamber 762 and theupper chamber 761, wherein the elastic biasing member 34 is in the formof a spring which is compressed between an annular journal formed on theperiphery of the piston 30 and a collar 35 fastened in the bottom of theintermediate chamber 762 on top of the O-ring gasket surrounding thelower end 32 of the piston 30;

a ring 36 mounted static in the upper chamber 761 and bearing on thedownstream body 33, wherein the ring 36 has peripheral holes whichcoincide with the upper holes 720 of the second upper sleeve 72;

an upper plug 37 mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the first upper sleeve 71,wherein the upper plug 35 bears on the ring 36; and

a tappet 38 crossing both the downstream body 33, the ring 36 and theupper plug 37, wherein the tappet 38 has a lower end adapted to exert aforce on the plunger 31 in the direction of the opening position, and anupper end which extends beyond the upper end 77 of the cartridge 7.

Furthermore, the piston 30 has an inner through channel 300 having twoopposite ends comprising:

an upper end open on the side of the downstream body 33 and forming adrain seat (to enable draining in case of overpressure on the downstreamside), the tappet 38 being adapted to bear on the drain seat to plug it,and

a lower end open into the lower orifice 763 of the lower sleeve 75.

In addition, each of the pressure regulators 3 a and 3 b comprises ahollow bracket 8 crossed by a central orifice 89 and having a tray 81extended by a sleeve 82.

The tray 81 has a lower face adapted to bear on the upper face 13 of themodule 1, and the tray 81 has peripheral holes which coincide with thethreaded holes 20 formed in the upper face 13, so that the tray 81 ofthe bracket 8 is fastened by screwing on the upper face 13 via screws 83screwed in the threaded holes 20. Thus, these peripheral holes in thetray 81 and these screws 83 form fastening elements for fastening thepressure regulator 3 a or 3 b on the upper face 13 of any of the modules1.

The central orifice 89 has a lower portion successively comprising,starting from the lower face of the tray 81:

a smooth portion having an internal diameter substantially equivalent tothe external diameter of the first upper sleeve 71, and morespecifically larger than the external diameter by a predefined mountingclearance in order to be able to be mounted in an adjusted and tightmanner around the portion of the first upper sleeve 71 which extendsbeyond the upper face 13 of the module 1 with the top O-ring gasket 79which provides sealing; and

a threaded portion which is screwed on the upper fitting 70.

A spacer 84 is wedged inside the central orifice 89 between the upperend 77 of the cartridge 7 and an annular journal provided inside thecentral orifice 89, and an O-ring gasket 85 is provided inside thecentral orifice 89 on top of the spacer 84.

The sleeve 82 has an upper end provided with an external tapping.

The bracket 8 also embeds a push piston 86 slidably mounted in an upperportion of the central orifice 89, wherein the push piston 86 issurrounded by the O-ring gasket 85 and slides inside the spacer 84 topresent a lower end which bears on the tappet 38. The push piston 86also crosses a lid 87 fastened on the upper end of the sleeve 82, thelid 87 thus blocking the push piston 86 in translation upwards. The pushpiston 86 has an upper end which extends beyond the lid 87.

Furthermore, each of the pressure regulators 3 a and 3 b comprises asetting system 9 a, 9 b mounted on the bracket 8 and acting on the pushpiston 86, and therefore on the tappet 38, to enable a setting of aforce for opening the plunger 31 to relieve the pressure.

In the context of the pressure regulator with a mechanical setting 3 aillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the setting system is a mechanicalsetting system 9 a which comprises:

a tubular support 900 externally fastened on the bracket 8 by beingscrewed on the external tapping of the upper end of the sleeve 82;

an elastic biasing member 901, in this instance a spring, compressedinside the support 900 between a lower journal 902 on which the pushpiston 86 bears and an upper journal 903 whose position is mechanicallysettable in order to enable a setting of the pushing force exerted bythe elastic biasing member 901 on the push piston 86.

More specifically, the position setting of the upper journal 903 isperformed via a knob 904 screwed on an upper end of the support 900 andacting on an axis 905 in order to displace it in translation, whereinthe axis 905 has an annular journal 906 on which the upper journal 903bears. Thus, by acting on the knob 904, the elastic biasing member 901is substantially compressed between the lower journal 902 and the upperjournal 903, and thus the force exerted on the push piston 86 issubstantially raised.

In the context of the pressure regulator with a pneumatic setting 3 billustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the setting system is a pneumatic settingsystem 9 b which comprises a tubular support 91 externally fastened onthe bracket 8 by being screwed on the external tapping of the upper endof the sleeve 82, wherein the support 91 comprises:

a lower tubular portion 911 externally screwed on the external tappingof the upper end of the sleeve 82;

an upper tubular portion 912 enlarged in comparison with the lowerportion 911, wherein the enlarged upper tubular portion 912 is providedwith a peripheral wall internally delimiting a smooth cylindricalcavity; and

an annular portion 913 connecting the lower tubular portion 911 to theupper tubular portion 912 and provided with a central hole 914.

Once the support 91 is fastened on the bracket 8, the push piston 86 isintroduced inside the central hole 914, yet without completely crossingit.

The pneumatic setting system 9 b further comprises a main piston 92sliding inside the support 91, wherein the main piston 92 comprises:

an upper section 921 mounted in an adjusted and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the cylindrical cavity of theupper portion 912, wherein the upper section 921 provides an uppersurface on which a pilot pressure PP acts; and

a lower section 922 sliding inside the central hole 914 and bearing onthe upper end of the push piston 86, wherein the lower section 922provides a lower surface thus acting on the push piston 86, and whereinthe lower surface has a surface area smaller than the upper surface.

Thus, the main piston 92 forms a solid piston, tightly and slidablymounted in the support 91 in order to act on the push piston 86, themain piston 92 being subjected to the pilot pressure PP source in orderto enable a setting of the pushing force exerted by the main piston 92on the push piston 86.

A vent 915 is formed in the support 91 in order to set the lower surfaceof the upper section 921 of the main piston 92 (opposite the annularwall 913) in communication with the outside ambient pressure.

In order to reduce the pilot pressure PP desired for setting the pushingforce exerted by the main piston 92 on the push piston 86, it isinteresting that the pneumatic setting system 9 b has at least onesecondary stage 93 described hereinbelow which allows introducing areduction ratio while allowing for a reduced bulk.

In the example of FIGS. 14 to 16, the pneumatic setting system 9 bcomprises two secondary stages 93.

The first secondary stage 93 comprises a tubular secondary body 94removably and tightly affixed on the support 91 and a secondary piston93 tightly and slidably mounted inside the secondary body 94, whereinthe secondary body 94 has:

an upper tubular portion 941 delimiting a cylindrical upper cavity,wherein the upper tubular portion 941 rests on the upper tubular portion912 of the support 91 and is fastened thereon via several rods 96crossing the upper tubular portions 912, 941 and bolted at both endsthereof; and

a lower portion 942 crossed by a central hole 943 having a reducedinternal diameter in comparison with the internal diameter of the uppercavity of the upper tubular portion 941.

The secondary piston 95 of the first secondary stage 93 has:

an upper section 951 providing an upper surface on which the pilotpressure PP acts and tightly mounted, by being surrounded by an O-ringgasket, inside the upper cavity of the upper tubular portion 941 of thesecondary body 94; and

a lower section 952 providing a lower surface bearing on the uppersurface of the upper section 921 of the main piston 92, wherein thelower section 952 is tightly mounted, by being surrounded by an O-ringgasket, inside the central hole 943 of the lower portion 942 of thesecondary body 94, and wherein the lower surface of the secondary piston95 has a surface area smaller than the upper surface of the secondarypiston 95.

Furthermore, the secondary piston 95 is provided with an inner throughchannel 953 opening into its lower surface and into its upper surface,so that the pilot pressure PP is applied on the upper surface of theupper section 921 of the main piston 92 and the pilot pressure PPfurther crosses the secondary piston 95 via the inner channel 953 inorder to be also applied on the upper surface of the upper section 921of the main piston 92.

At least one channel 916 is provided in the support 91 and at least onechannel 94 is provided in the secondary body 94 to establish together acommunication between the bottom of the upper section 921 of the mainpiston 92 (opposite the annular wall 913) which, as noted above, is atthe outside ambient pressure due to the vent 915, and the bottom of theupper section 951 of the secondary piston 95 (opposite the lower portion942).

With the first secondary stage 93, the pilot pressure PP allows applyinga resulting force on the push piston 86 which corresponds to the sum ofthe following two forces:

the pressing force of the main piston 92 which corresponds to the pilotpressure PP multiplied by the upper surface of the upper section 921 ofthe main piston 92; and

the pressing force of the secondary piston 95 of the first secondarystage 93 which corresponds to the pilot pressure PP multiplied by theupper surface of the upper section 951 of the secondary piston 95.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, it is possible to provide for a secondsecondary stage 93 which comprises similar members as the firstsecondary stage 93, namely:

a tubular secondary body 94 removably and tightly affixed on thesecondary body 94 of the first secondary stage 93; and

a secondary piston 95 tightly and slidably mounted inside the secondarybody 94 of the second secondary stage 93. In some variations of thepresent disclosure, the second secondary stage 93 comprises the samemembers as the first secondary stage 93.

The secondary body 94 of the second secondary stage 93 rests on theupper tubular portion 941 of the secondary body 94 of the firstsecondary stage 93 and is fastened thereon via the same rods 96 crossingthe upper tubular portions 941 of the two secondary bodies 94.

The secondary piston 95 of the second secondary stage 93 is alsoprovided with an inner through channel 953 opening into its lowersurface and into its upper surface, so that the pilot pressure PP isapplied on the upper surface of the upper section 921 of the main piston92 of the second secondary stage 93, and the pilot pressure PP furthercrosses the secondary piston 95 of the second secondary stage 93 via theinner channel 953 in order to be also applied on the upper surface ofthe upper section 951 of the secondary piston 95 of the first secondarystage 93.

Thus, with the second secondary stage 93, the pilot pressure PP allowsapplying a resulting force on the push piston 86 which corresponds tothe sum of the following three forces:

the pressing force of the main piston 92;

the pressing force of the secondary piston 95 of the first secondarystage 93; and

the pressing force of the secondary piston 95 of the second secondarystage 93 which corresponds to the pilot pressure PP multiplied by theupper surface of the upper section 951 of the secondary piston 95.

Thus, it is possible to stack the secondary stages 93, in order to beable to work with a pilot pressure PP.

The pneumatic setting system 9 b further comprises a lid 97 whichcomprises:

an upper portion 971 which rests on the upper tubular portion 912 of thesupport 91 (if the pneumatic setting system 9 b does not comprise anysecondary stage 93) or on the upper tubular portion 941 of the secondarybody 94 of the last secondary stage 93 (namely the first secondary stageif there is only but one, or the second secondary stage 93 if there aretwo, or the third secondary stage 93 if there are three, etc.), and isfastened to the upper tubular portion 912 or 941 via the same rods 96,the bolts at the top bearing on the top of the upper portion 971 and thebolts at the bottom bearing on the bottom of the annular wall 913 of thesupport 91; and

a lower portion 972 which is tightly mounted, by being surrounded by anO-ring gasket, inside the cylindrical cavity of the upper tubularportion 912 of the support 1 (if the pneumatic setting system 9 b doesnot comprise any secondary stage 93) or inside the cylindrical uppercavity of the upper tubular portion 941 of the secondary body 94 of thelast secondary stage 93 (if the pneumatic setting system 9 b comprisesat least one secondary stage 93).

The lid 97 is crossed by a central orifice 973 on which the pilotpressure PP source is connected.

It should be noted that the mechanical setting system 9 a and thepneumatic setting system 9 b are interchangeable because both of themare adapted to be removably mounted, by screwing on the external tappingof the upper end of the sleeve 82, and to act on the push piston 86.

The following description concerns more specifically the block valvewith a manual actuator 4 a, the block valve with a pneumatic actuator 4b and the block valve with an electric actuator 4 c, each comprising thefollowing regulator members:

a piston 40 slidably mounted inside the second intermediate sleeve 74 inthe intermediate chamber 762 forming an upstream chamber (and thereforeconnected to at least one inlet “E” of the module 1 via an appropriatedrilling 26), wherein the piston 40 has an upper end forming a plunger41 and a lower end 42 surrounded by an O-ring gasket and sliding insidethe lower sleeve 75 in the lower orifice 763 which opens outwards (FIG.11), so that the piston 40 is subjected to the outside ambient pressure;

a downstream body 43 mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the second upper sleeve 72,wherein the downstream body 43 separates the intermediate chamber 762 ofthe upper chamber 761 forming a downstream chamber (and thereforeconnected to at least one outlet “S” of the module 1 via an appropriatedrilling 26), and wherein the downstream body 43 has a central hole 430defining a seat forming a relief seat adapted to cooperate with theplunger 41;

an elastic biasing member 44 urging the piston 40 and the plunger 41 inthe direction of a position of closing the communication between theintermediate chamber 762 and the upper chamber 761, wherein the elasticbiasing member 44 is in the form of a spring which is compressed betweenan annular journal formed on the periphery of the piston 40 and a collar45 fastened in the bottom of the intermediate chamber 762 on the top ofthe O-ring gasket surrounding the lower end 42 of the piston 40;

a ring 46 mounted static in the upper chamber 761 and bearing on thedownstream body 43, wherein the ring 46 as peripheral holes whichcoincide with the upper holes 720 of the second upper sleeve 72;

an upper plug 47 mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the first upper sleeve 71,wherein the upper plug 45 bears on the ring 46; and

a tappet 48 crossing both the downstream body 43, the ring 46 and theupper plug 47, wherein the tappet 48 has a lower end adapted to exert aforce on the plunger 41 in the direction of a position of opening thecommunication between the intermediate chamber 762 and the upper chamber761, and an upper end which extends beyond the upper end 77 of thecartridge 7.

In addition, each of the block valves 4 a, 4 b, 4 c comprises a hollowbracket 80 crossed by a central orifice 890 and having a tray 810extended by a sleeve 820.

The tray 810 has a lower face adapted to bear on the upper face 13 ofthe module 1, and the tray 810 has peripheral holes which coincide withthe threaded holes 20 formed in the upper face 13, so that the tray 810of the bracket 80 is fastened by screwing on the upper face 13 viascrews 830 screwed in the threaded holes 20.

Thus, these peripheral holes in the tray 810 and these screws 830 formfastening elements for fastening the block valve 4 a, 4 b or 4 c on theupper face 13 of any of the modules 1.

The central orifice 890 has a lower portion successively comprising,starting from the lower face of the tray 810:

a smooth portion having an internal diameter substantially equivalent tothe external diameter of the first upper sleeve 71, and morespecifically larger than the external diameter by a predefined mountingclearance in order to be able to be mounted in an adjusted and tightmanner around the portion of the first upper sleeve 71 which extendsbeyond the upper face 13 of the module 1 with the O-ring gasket 79 onthe top which provides sealing; and

a threaded portion which is screwed on the upper fitting 70.

The central orifice 890 has an upper portion provided with a threadedorifice 891, and the tappet 48 opens into the upper portion.

Furthermore, each of the block valves 4 a, 4 b, 4 c comprises anactuator 19 a, 19 b, 19 c mounted on the bracket 80 and acting on thetappet 48 to control the relative position of the plunger 41 withrespect to the seat 430 between the closure position and the openingposition, in other words to control the opening/closure of the gaseousflow between the or each inlet “E” of the module 1 and the or eachoutlet “S” of the module 1.

In the context of the block valve with a manual actuator 4 a illustratedin FIGS. 17 and 18, the actuator is a manual actuator 19 a whichcomprises a knob 190 secured to a push member 191 provided with athreaded portion which is screwed in the threaded orifice 891 of thecentral orifice 890 of the bracket 80, wherein the threaded portion ofthe push member 191 bears on the tappet 48.

Thus, by acting on the tap 190, the push member 191 is displaced intranslation (by screwing/unscrewing) and thus acts on the tappet 48 toopen/close the block valve with a manual actuator 4 a.

In the context of the block valve with a pneumatic actuator 4 billustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator 19b which comprises a support 192 fastened on the bracket 80 and crossedby a push piston 193 adapted to bear on the tappet under the action of acontrol pressure PC source.

The support 192 comprises a socket 194 which is screwed in the threadedorifice 891 of the central orifice 890 of the bracket 80, and furthercomprises a hollow body 195 which is fastened, in particular byscrewing, on the socket 194. The push piston 193 is slidably and tightlymounted, by being surrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the hollow body195, wherein the hollow body 195 is provided with a central orifice 196on which the control pressure PC source is connected.

The push piston 193 has a rod crossing the socket 194 to bear on thetappet 48 when a defined control pressure PC is applied on the pushpiston 193. Thus, by applying a control pressure PC, the push piston 193is displaced in translation and thus acts on the tappet 48 to open/closethe block valve with a pneumatic actuator 4 b.

In the context of the block valve with an electric actuator 4 cillustrated in FIG. 21, the actuator is an electric actuator 19 c whichcomprises a support 197 which is screwed in the threaded orifice 891 ofthe central orifice 890 of the bracket 80, and which is crossed by apush member (not illustrated) adapted to bear on the tappet 48 under theaction of an electric motor 198 which controls the translation of thepush member. Thus, by controlling the electric motor 198, the pushmember is displaced in translation and thus acts on the tappet 48 toopen/close the block valve with an electric actuator 4 c.

As schematized in FIG. 22, it should be noted that the manual actuator19 a, the pneumatic actuator 19 b and the electric actuator 19 c areinterchangeable because all three are adapted to be removably mounted,by screwing in the threaded orifice 891 of the central orifice 890 ofthe bracket 80, and to act on the tappet 48.

The following description concerns more specifically the anti-backflowisolation device 5 which fills the function of an anti-backflow plungerand which comprises the following members:

a piston 50 slidably mounted inside the first upper sleeve 71 in theupper chamber 761 forming a downstream chamber (and therefore connectedto at least one outlet “S” of the module 1 via an appropriate drilling26), wherein the piston 50 has a lower end forming a plunger 51 (oranti-backflow plunger);

a downstream body 52 mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the second upper sleeve 72,wherein the downstream body 52 abuts on the inner shoulder 765 and belowthe upper holes 720, wherein the downstream body 52 separates the upperchamber 761 from the intermediate chamber 762 forming an upstreamchamber (and therefore connected to at least one inlet “E” of the module1 via an appropriate drilling 26), and wherein the downstream body 52has a central hole 53 defining a seat cooperating with the plunger 51subjected to the pressure of the gas in the intermediate chamber 762 inthe direction of detachment with respect to the seat 53; and

an elastic biasing member 54 urging the piston 50 and the plunger 51against the downstream body 52 in the direction of a position of closingthe communication between the upper chamber 761 from the intermediatechamber 762.

In addition, the anti-backflow isolation device 5 further comprises abracket 180 forming a closed lid and comprising a subplate 181 securedto a solid cap 182. The subplate 181 has peripheral holes which coincidewith the threaded holes 20 formed in the upper face 13, so that thesubplate 181 of the bracket 180 is fastened by screwing on the upperface 13 via screws 183 screwed in the threaded holes 20. Thus, theseperipheral holes in the tray 181 and these screws 183 form fasteningelements for fastening the anti-backflow isolation device 5 on the upperface 13 of any of the modules 1.

The elastic biasing member 54, which is a spring, is compressed betweenthe cap 182 of the bracket 180 and the piston 50.

Thus, the anti-backflow isolation device 5 enables the circulation ofthe gas from the inlet (or from the intermediate chamber 762 forming anupstream chamber) towards the outlet (or towards the upper chamber 761forming a downstream chamber) when the inlet pressure reaches a pressuresufficient to detach the plunger 51 from the seat 53 against theopposite force exerted by the elastic biasing member 54 whosecalibration allows setting the pressure. Conversely, the anti-backflowisolation device 5 inhibits the circulation of the gas from the outlettowards the inlet.

The following description concerns more specifically the filteringdevice 6 which fills the function of filtering the gas circulatinginside the filtering device 6 and which comprises a filter cartridge 60received inside the upper chamber 761 and having an inlet opening intothe intermediate chamber 762.

In addition, the filtering device 6 further comprises a bracket 180forming a closed lid and similar to the bracket 180 of theabove-described anti-backflow isolation device 5.

The filter cartridge 60 is wedged between a lower support 61 and anupper support 62 placed in the upper chamber 761.

The lower support 61 is mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the second upper sleeve 72,wherein the lower support 61 abuts on the inner shoulder 762 and belowthe upper holes 720.

The upper support 62 is mounted in a static and tight manner, by beingsurrounded by an O-ring gasket, inside the upper fitting 70, wherein theupper support 62 abuts against the cap 182 of the bracket 180.

As shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, it is possible to form a kit fordistributing and regulating a pressurized gas, which comprises:

several modules 1, wherein all the modules 1 are similar; and

several distribution or regulation devices 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6provided for a distribution or regulation of a gas passing in the innerchambers 2 of the main bodies 10 of the modules 1 once these modules 1are provided with appropriate drillings 26 and once these modules 1 arecoupled by fastening the subplates 15 together. In some variations ofthe present disclosure, all the modules 1 are identical.

Thus, with such a kit, it is possible to construct, in complete freedom,systems 100 for distributing and regulating a pressurized gas, inparticular for a gaseous hydrogen distribution station for filling afuel cell tank, where:

modules 1 are coupled by fastening at least one subplate 15 of a moduleon a subplate 15 of at least one adjacent module 1, setting incommunication the central holes 18 of the subplates 15 fastenedtogether;

distribution or regulation devices 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 arefastened on the main bodies 10 of all or part of the modules 1, withtheir cartridges 7 received inside the inner chambers 2 and with thebrackets 8, 80, 180 fastened on the upper faces 13 of the modules 1; and

drillings 26 are formed in the central holes 18 of the subplates 15which are fastened to another subplate 15, such drillings 26 formingcommunication channels opening into the upper bore 21 or into theintermediate bore 22 of the inner chamber 2 of the concerned module 1 inorder to set in communication the distribution or regulation devices 3a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 of the coupled modules 1.

In the example of FIG. 26, the distribution and regulation system 100comprises four modules 1 successively supporting, from the inlet towardsthe outlet, a block valve with a manual actuator 4 a, an anti-backflowisolation device 5, a pressure regulator with a pneumatic setting 3 band a block valve with an electric actuator 4 c, wherein the firstmodule 1 supports at the inlet an inlet connector RE fastened at theinlet on a subplate 15 and wherein the last module 1 supports at theoutlet an outlet connector RS fastened at the outlet on a subplate 15.

In the examples of FIGS. 27 and 28, the distribution and regulationsystem 100 comprises modules 1 which support either a block valve with amanual actuator 4 a, or a block valve with a pneumatic actuator 4 b, ora pressure regulator with a mechanical setting 3 a.

Inlet and outlet connectors RE, RS are also provided by being fastenedon the subplates of some of the modules 1.

In the examples of FIGS. 27 and 28, the distribution and regulationsystem 100 also comprises collectors 200 each formed by an integral partmade of a metallic material which comprises the main body 201 which hasa rectangular parallelepiped general shape and which has:

four longitudinal faces 202 each having a length equivalent to that oftwo coupled modules 1, and

two end faces 203 with dimensions equivalent to those of a face of amodule 1, wherein each end face 203 is provided with a subplate 204similar to the subplate 15 of a module 1. In some variations of thepresent disclosure the subplate 204 is identical to the subplate 15 of amodule 1.

A collector 200 has an inner chamber 205 opening into two parallellongitudinal faces 202 and whose shape and dimensions are similar orequivalent to those of an inner chamber 2 of a module 1, so that adistribution or regulation device 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6 could bereceived and fastened on such a collector 200; drillings 206 in thecollector 200 then being desired to establish the communications, andthe number and the arrangement of the drillings 206 enable a pluralityof configurations as schematized in FIG. 30.

A collector 200 also allows pairing two modules 1 on two longitudinalfaces 202, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. In this respect, threaded holesare provided on these longitudinal faces 202 for fastening the brackets,and drillings will be provided in the collector for the circulation ofthe gas.

A collector 200 may also receive probes, such as manometers MA ortemperature probes ST, as well as inlet connectors RE and outletconnectors RS.

Thus, the present disclosure allows making distribution and regulationsystems 100 for ground installations (such as for example fillingstations, transfer stations, productions facilities, storage facilities)and also for on-board installations (such as for example on supplyvehicles).

The present disclosure also allows for:

very high standardization level and integration and modularity levels,with universal modules 1 and with cartridges 7 that are also universal,not to mention the aforementioned interchangeabilities;

a compactness level that is also high, with compact modules 1 anddistribution or regulation devices 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6;

a safety level that is also high by suppressing connecting links andwelded assemblies; and

a service rate guaranteed level that is also high thanks to the easymaintenance and/or replacement of the distribution or regulation devices3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5, 6.

Spacially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove or below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein interpreted accordingly.

Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical valuesindicating mechanical/thermal properties, compositional percentages,dimensions and/or tolerances, or other characteristics are to beunderstood as modified by the word “about” or “approximately” indescribing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification isdesired for various reasons including industrial practice, material,manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.

As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should beconstrued to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logicalOR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least oneof B, and at least one of C.”

The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosureare intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variationsare not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A module for a distribution and regulation kitfor distributing and regulating a pressurized gas, the modulecomprising: a main body defining a parallelepiped shape and having fourlateral faces parallel in pairs and extending between an upper face anda lower face parallel to one another; and an inner chamber formedthrough the main body that opens at the upper face and the lower face,the inner chamber adapted to receive a distribution or regulationdevice, the inner chamber comprising: a cylindrical upper bore openinginto the upper face and having an internal diameter; a cylindricalintermediate bore having an internal diameter smaller than the internaldiameter of the cylindrical upper bore; and a cylindrical lower boreopening into the lower face and having an internal diameter smaller thanthe internal diameter of the cylindrical intermediate bore, wherein eachlateral face includes a subplate adapted for fastening on a subplate ofan adjacent module, wherein each subplate has peripheral holes and acentral blind hole.
 2. The module according to claim 1, wherein threadedholes are formed in the upper face.
 3. A distribution and regulation kitfor distributing and regulating a pressurized gas, the distributing andregulating kit comprising: a plurality of modules according to claim 1;and a plurality of distribution or regulation devices, each distributionor regulation device comprising a cartridge formed by a tubular bodyadapted to be received by the inner chamber of a module among theplurality of modules, wherein the cartridge comprises: a first uppersleeve, which is cylindrical, having an external diameter, the firstupper sleeve supporting at least one O-ring gasket and adapted to bemounted in the cylindrical upper bore; a second upper sleeve, which iscylindrical, having an external diameter which is smaller than theinternal diameter of the cylindrical upper bore and the externaldiameter of the first upper sleeve, and larger than the internaldiameter of the cylindrical intermediate bore, the second upper sleevehaving at least one upper through hole opening into an upper chamberdefined at least partially by the second upper sleeve; a firstintermediate sleeve, which is cylindrical, supporting at least oneO-ring gasket and adapted to be mounted in the cylindrical intermediatebore, the first intermediate sleeve having an external diameter which issmaller than the external diameter of the second upper sleeve; a secondintermediate sleeve, which is cylindrical, having an external diameterwhich is smaller than the internal diameter of the cylindricalintermediate bore and the external diameter of the first intermediatesleeve, and larger than the internal diameter of the cylindrical lowerbore, the second intermediate sleeve having at least one intermediatethrough hole opening into an intermediate chamber defined at leastpartially by the second intermediate sleeve; and a lower sleeve, whichis cylindrical, having an external diameter which is smaller than theexternal diameter of the second intermediate sleeve, wherein the lowersleeve supports at least one O-ring gasket and is adapted to be mountedin the cylindrical lower bore.
 4. The distribution and regulation kitaccording to claim 3, wherein at least one distribution or regulationdevice among the plurality of distribution or regulation devicescomprises, inside the cartridge, a plunger movable relative to a seatbetween a closed position where communication between the intermediatechamber and the upper chamber is closed and an open position wherecommunication between the intermediate chamber and the upper chamber isopen.
 5. The distribution and regulation kit according to claim 4,wherein the plurality of distribution or regulation devices comprises atleast one pressure regulator comprising: a piston slidably mountedinside the second intermediate sleeve in the intermediate chamberforming an upstream chamber, wherein the piston has an upper end formingthe plunger and a lower end surrounded by an O-ring gasket and slidinginside the lower sleeve in a lower orifice which does not open outwards;a downstream body mounted static inside the second upper sleeve anddefining the upper chamber forming a downstream chamber, wherein thedownstream body has a central hole defining the seat forming a reliefseat adapted to cooperate with the plunger; an elastic biasing memberadapted to urge the piston and the plunger in a direction towards theclosed position, opposite to a reduced pressure in the downstreamchamber which urges the piston and the plunger in a direction towardsthe open position; an upper plug mounted static inside the first uppersleeve; and a tappet crossing the upper plug and adapted to exert aforce on the plunger in a direction of the opening position, wherein thepiston has an inner through channel having two opposite ends comprisingan upper end open on a side of the downstream body and forming a drainseat and a lower end open into the lower orifice of the lower sleeve,and wherein the tappet is adapted to bear on and plug the drain seat,wherein the at least one pressure regulator further comprises: a bracketfastened on the cartridge and including fastening elements for fasteningthe at least one pressure regulator on the upper face of a module amongthe plurality of modules, wherein the bracket embeds a push pistonslidably mounted and adapted to bear on the tappet, the push pistonextending beyond the bracket; and a setting system mounted on thebracket and acting on the push piston and thus on the tappet to enable asetting of an opening force of the plunger to relieve pressure.
 6. Thedistribution and regulation kit according to claim 5, wherein the thesetting system is: a mechanical setting system comprising a supportremovably mounted on the bracket; or a pneumatic setting systemcomprising a support removably mounted on the bracket.
 7. Thedistribution and regulation kit according to claim 5, wherein thesetting system is a mechanical setting system comprising a supportfastened on the bracket and supporting thereinside an elastic biasingmember compressed between a lower journal on which bears the push pistonand an upper journal whose position is mechanically settable to enable asetting of a pushing force exerted by the elastic biasing member on thepush piston.
 8. The distribution and regulation kit according to claim5, wherein the setting system is a pneumatic setting system comprising asupport fastened on the bracket and receiving thereinside a main piston,which is slidably mounted in the support, wherein the main piston actson the push piston and is subjected to a pilot pressure source to enablea setting of the pushing force exerted by the main piston on the pushpiston.
 9. The distribution and regulation kit according to claim 8,wherein the main piston has: an upper section including an upper surfaceon which the pilot pressure acts; and a lower section including a lowersurface acting on the push piston, wherein the lower surface has asurface area smaller than a surface area of the upper surface.
 10. Thedistribution and regulation kit according to claim 9, wherein thepneumatic setting system comprises at least one secondary stagecomprising a tubular secondary body affixed on the support and asecondary piston slidably mounted inside the tubular secondary body,wherein: the tubular secondary body includes: an upper portion defininga cylindrical upper cavity; and a lower portion crossed by a centralhole having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical uppercavity of the upper portion, the secondary piston includes: an uppersection defining an upper surface on which the pilot pressure acts andis mounted in the cylindrical upper cavity of the upper portion of thetubular secondary body; and a lower section defining a lower surfacebearing on the upper surface of the main piston and mounted in thecentral hole of the lower portion of the tubular secondary body, whereinthe lower surface of the secondary piston has a surface area smallerthan a surface area of the upper surface of the secondary piston, andwherein the secondary piston defines an inner through channel openinginto the lower surface and the upper surface of the secondary pistonsuch that the pilot pressure is applied on the upper surface of the mainpiston throughout the inner through channel.
 11. The distribution andregulation kit according to claim 4, wherein the plurality ofdistribution or regulation devices comprises at least one block valvecomprising regulator members comprising: a piston slidably mountedinside the second intermediate sleeve in the intermediate chamberforming an upstream chamber, wherein the piston has an upper end formingthe plunger and a lower end surrounded by an O-ring gasket and slidinginside the lower sleeve in a lower orifice opening outwards; adownstream body mounted static inside the second upper sleeve anddefining the upper chamber forming a downstream chamber, wherein thedownstream body has a central hole defining the seat cooperating withthe plunger; an elastic biasing member adapted to urge the piston andthe plunger in a direction towards the closed position; an upper plugmounted static inside the first upper sleeve; and a tappet crossing theupper plug and adapted to exert a force on the plunger in a directiontowards the opening position, wherein the at least one block valvefurther comprises: a bracket secured to the upper plug and includingfastening elements for fastening the at least one block valve on theupper face of a module among the plurality of modules; and an actuatormounted on the bracket and acting on the tappet to control a relativeposition of the plunger with respect to the seat between the closedposition and the open position.
 12. The distribution and regulation kitaccording to claim 11, wherein the at least one block valve comprises anactuator selected from the group consisting of: a manual actuatorcomprising a knob secured to a push member screwed in the bracket andadapted to bear on the tappet; a pneumatic actuator comprising a supportfastened on the bracket and crossed by a push piston adapted to bear onthe tappet under action of a control pressure source; and an electricactuator comprising a support fastened on the bracket and crossed by apush member adapted to bear on the tappet under the action of anelectric motor.
 13. The distribution and regulation kit according toclaim 12, wherein the actuator of the at least one block valve of eachdistribution or regulation device among the plurality of distribution orregulation devices are interchangeable, wherein the bracket comprises athreaded orifice inside which the push member of the manual actuator,the support of the pneumatic actuator and the support of the electricactuator can be screwed.
 14. The distribution and regulation kitaccording to claim 4, wherein the plurality of distribution orregulation devices comprises at least one anti-backflow isolation devicecomprising: a piston slidably mounted inside the first upper sleeve inthe upper chamber forming a downstream chamber, wherein the piston has alower end forming the plunger; a downstream body mounted static insidethe second upper sleeve and defining the upper chamber and theintermediate chamber forming an upstream chamber, wherein the downstreambody has a central hole defining the seat cooperating with the plungersubjected to pressure of gas in the intermediate chamber in a directionof detachment with respect to the seat; and an elastic biasing memberurging the piston and the plunger in a direction towards the closedposition, wherein the anti-backflow isolation device further comprises abracket including fastening elements for fastening the at least oneanti-backflow isolation device on the upper face of a module among theplurality of modules, the bracket forming a closed lid such that theelastic biasing member bears on the bracket.
 15. The distribution andregulation kit according to claim 3, wherein the plurality ofdistribution or regulation devices comprises at least one filteringdevice comprising a filter cartridge received inside the upper chamberand having an inlet opening into the intermediate chamber, and whereinthe at least one filtering device further comprises a bracket includingfastening elements for fastening the at least one filtering device onthe upper face of a module among the plurality of modules, the bracketforming a closed lid.
 16. A distribution and regulation system fordistributing and regulating a pressurized gas, formed at least partiallyfrom a distribution and regulation kit according to claim 3, wherein:the plurality of modules are coupled by fastening at least one subplateof a module among the plurality of modules on a subplate of at least oneadjacent module to set in communication central holes of the subplatesfastened together; the plurality of distribution or regulation devicesare fastened on the main body of the plurality of modules, withcartridges received inside inner chambers of the plurality of modules;drillings are formed in the central holes of the at least one subplate,the drillings forming communication channels opening into thecylindrical upper bore or into the cylindrical intermediate bore of theinner chamber of the module to set in communication the plurality ofdistribution or regulation devices of the plurality of coupled modules.17. A gaseous hydrogen distribution station for filling a fuel celltank, the gaseous hydrogen distribution station comprising at least onedistribution and regulation system according to claim 16.